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Jordan, located just to the east of Israel, is a modern Middle Eastern nation that is a popular tour destination for those looking to explore sites from the bible and the roots of Christianity. Jordan was part of the area the Israelites wandered before entering the Promised Land. Jordan is held to be the final resting place of Moses and Aaron, and is apocryphally believed to be where the prophet Jeremiah buried the Ark of the Covenant. Since group tours of Jordan's holy sites include local transport by bus, they are capped at 40 people per group. Some Jordanian companies offer tours that can be booked via phone or the Internet, but using a local tour company is recommended.

What Is Included?

The base rate for your tour to Jordan includes accommodations and tours, including transfers and local transportation (such as buses and trains). Admission to local tours and payment for your guides are also included in the base rate, but gratuities are not. Some tours include your flight, but if yours does not, the tour agency can book your flight for you. Some tour groups allow you to pay extra for more luxurious accommodations and to book meals in advance. Base rates for 2009-10 averaged approximately $1,400 per person, not including airfare. These rates do not include taxes or gratuities. If you are traveling alone, rates are typically several hundred dollars more.

Arrival

If you book your own flight, be sure to fly into Amman International Airport (AMM). Transatlantic flights directly to Jordan are available out of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The flight time for the crossing is approximately 12 hours.

Tour Stops

All Jordanian tours begin and end in Amman. This large, modern city offers both traditional souk markets and designer boutiques, along with a Roman amphitheater and a national archaeological museum.

Mount Nebo, considered the final resting place of Moses, is a revered site for both Christians and Muslims. An ancient church, dating to the fourth century, has since been discovered at this location. A modern chapel features recovered and restored mosaics.

The Dead Sea, located at the lowest dry point on Earth, is most known as the site where ancient preserved scrolls of scripture were discovered by a goat herder.

Petra is a high point for many visitors to Jordan. This city, carved out of a canyon, was most famously featured in the film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." It was lost to society for years, even though it is mentioned in the Koran and its rediscovery in the early 19th century was considered an astonishing historical find. It is considered by Muslims to be the site where Moses brought forth water from a rock and it is believed to be the final resting place of Moses' brother, Aaron. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the seven new Wonders of the World.

Activities

Historical sites, of course, are popular, from the Citadel in Amman to the Saracen Castle at Ajloun. Madaba is home to the oldest known map of the Holy Land and Aqaba is home to the world's oldest church, dating back to the third century.

Any Christian or bible tour of Jordan will include museum visits; exhibits include historical relics from the era of the bible, scriptures and arms and armament of the Crusades.

The Wadi Rum Desert, where "Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed, is famous for its stark, moon-like environment; you can take a tour over its massive dunes in an all-wheel drive vehicle.

At an open-air market or souk, you can bargain for gold, linens and pottery from local merchants.

Food and Drink

Because Jordan hosts so many visitors from the West, it is easy to find plenty of your favorite dishes--including bacon and eggs or pizza--particularly at hotel dining rooms. Tour hotels are chosen for the comforts they offer Western travelers. If you want to try local cuisine, staples include flatbread, lamb, dates and couscous. Sweet tea and thick Arabian coffee are widely available, as is bottled water.

Departure

Jordan tours end back in Amman, usually leaving you with a day to explore the city on your own. If you book your own flight, consider spending more time in this city before returning home.

References

About the Author

Beau Prichard has been a freelance writer and editor since 1999. He specializes in fiction, travel and writing coaching. He has traveled in the United Kingdom, Europe, Mexico and Australia. Prichard grew up in New Zealand and holds a Bachelor of Arts in writing from George Fox University.

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